I am in the process of putting back together my rebuilt motor. I had the exhaust manifold blasted and trying to decide whether to paint it. I actually like the appearance blasted and un-painted. Other than appearance is there any reason why you need to paint it?

I had to buy my own oven to put in my garage basement for curing the vht and baking small powder coated bits. Somehow the warden always knew when I used hers. I did luck up and find one that would hold a 15x12 wheel though